hilt

[ hilt ]

noun

1. the handle of a sword or dagger.
2. the handle of any weapon or tool.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a hilt.

hilt

/ hɪlt /

noun

1. the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc
2. to the hilt
   to the hilt to the full

verb

1. tr to supply with a hilt

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English hilt(e); cognate with Middle Dutch hilt(e), Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza “handle of a sword”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

Old English; related to Old Norse hjalt, Old Saxon helta oar handle, Old High German helza

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to the hilt, to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully Also up to the hilt.

   to play the role to the hilt.

More idioms and phrases containing hilt

see to the hilt .

Example Sentences

The film merely reaffirms that he’s an ambitious entrepreneur who saw a financial opportunity and exploited it to the hilt, and then doubled-down when calls for his head rang out.

From The Daily Beast

The grave also included jewelry traditionally associated with women and two swords, including one with a bronze hilt, typically attributed to men.

From Science News

In a panic, I grabbed the hilt of my sword, ready to cut down my foe.

From Outside Online

When I heard the snap of branches coming from the darkness surrounding our camp, my hand tightened around the hilt of my sword.

From Outside Online

All sleek and tightly constructed, all packed to the hilt with quality character actors, all the type of films you’d happily watch for half an hour before realizing you’d already rented them before.

From Washington Post

The premise of the sketch was that sex was too spontaneous to be regulated, and the quiz show played that idea to the hilt.

From The Daily Beast

He played affirmative action to the hilt and took full advantage of it.

From The Daily Beast

"He had enthusiasm to the hilt," said his niece, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.

From The Daily Beast

Since then, Becky Hilt says she avoids eye contact with Thomas whenever he walks his dog.

From The Daily Beast

His open brow lowered, and his fingers instinctively began playing with the hilt of his sabre.

From Project Gutenberg

George, seeing no living soul, struck the hilt of his sword sharply against the door of the castle.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary stepped beside him, took the hilt in both her little hands, and made shift to raise the great sword.

From Project Gutenberg

In the traditions of Denmark, the oath upon the sword-hilt was preserved in a spirit of deep solemnity.

From Project Gutenberg

But ten thousand saw Musa's hand clap to hilt, and Iftikhar's lance half fall to rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• knob
• shaft
• stem